Spain is one of the most popular and well-known destinations for wedding celebrations in Europe. The heat, the sun, the easy and leisurely Spanish attitude to life - these are all things that characterize a wedding in Spain. Majorca is one of the most popular destinations in this country, which is why LĪGAVĀM asked Caramel Events Riga wedding organizers Júlija Pumpi and agency Wedding Del Mar manager Ksenija Blagova to tell about organizing a wedding in Spain from "A" to "Z".

in Spain – wedding ceremony in the evening

Caramel Events Riga organizes a wedding in Spain in cooperation with partners from Mallorca - Wedding Del Mar , which, according to the wedding organizer Júlija Pumpe, facilitates the entire planning process, because there is a person on site who speaks Spanish, you can personally visit hotels and restaurants, choose a place for the ceremony, order a tasting of the wedding menu, as well as coordinate all nuances.

"The planning of such a wedding takes place remotely, using all modern means of communication. For example, when the wedding organizer goes to the possible location of the wedding ceremony in Mallorca, he can make a video call, and the new couple here in Latvia can see how the specific place looks in reality," explains Jūlija,

indicating that support in the sense of tourism is also provided - help with the selection of apartments and hotels, provision of transport services, organization of various entertainments and activities outside the wedding day.

Jūlija says that unlike wedding ceremonies in Latvia, in Spain it is customary to hold them closer to the evening, because it is too hot in the middle of the day.

"For example, in the hottest months - July and August - wedding ceremonies are held no earlier than 6:00 p.m. In other months, when the temperature is a little lower, the ceremony can be held a little earlier, but usually not before 5:00 p.m. This is also due to the fact that late dinners are common in Spain.

Usually, the wedding dinner starts around eight in the evening," explains Yulia. She also points out that it is possible to provide a show program and live music during the wedding celebration dinner. Flamenco dance shows are very popular in Spain, during which artists dance dressed in national costumes and last about 40 minutes. On the other hand, you can invite Spanish guitarists for the musical performance, who will give a special Spanish note to the festive dinner.

Up to 300 sunny days a year

Wedding organizer Ksenia Blagova states that during the planning of destination weddings, special attention is paid to the day's plan, which in hot countries often depends on the heat, the sun and also the sunset. "The biggest advantage of Mallorca, unlike other popular wedding destinations such as Greece and Italy, is the highest number of sunny days a year - they can be up to 300 sunny days.

Wedding planning is also influenced by seasonality - this is another specific feature of the island.

1. July and August are the hottest and most expensive months when all hotels and restaurants are full.
2. On the other hand, Mallorca has a temperature of plus 17 degrees in winter. This time is very beautiful because the orange and lemon trees start to bloom.
3. Almond trees also begin to bloom in February and March. During this time, the island looks charming and it is a good time for weddings. However, it should be remembered that it is also the rainy season, when there are temporary precipitations," the wedding organizer shares her experience.

"Holy" thing - siesta

Wedding organizer Júlija Pumpe points out that during the planning of the big event, one should not forget about the Spanish mentality - Spaniards, like typical southern compatriots, are not in a hurry. "Spaniards can answer e-mails within a few weeks, and it can cause a lot of shock and stress for us Latvians.

It helps a lot here to know that there is always a person on the island who can call several times and go to a meeting in person if the matter is urgent.

Another "sacred" thing for the Spanish is the siesta, which lasts every day from 13.00 to 16.00. It is not customary to work at this time," says Julia.

Non-residents cannot officially marry

One of the most important facts that should be taken into account by those couples who want to get married in Spain is that it is not possible to do it officially in this country. This option is available only to residents of the country.

Of course, it is possible to arrange a marriage in the church. "For example, in Majorca there is a very beautiful Catholic church without a roof, its architect is the famous Gaudi. "Several brides dream of having their wedding ceremony in that very church," says Ksenia.

What else should be considered when planning a wedding in Mallorca?

• In Mallorca, the beaches are public, so especially in summer it is not easy to find a place where there are no vacationers around. Therefore, a much more successful solution is a wedding ceremony on the rocks with a view of the sea. This option is more private, but the view will be impressive. "We know very interesting locations for wedding ceremonies. It is also popular to get married in the territory of the villas or to use the territory of the beach restaurants," say Yulija and Ksenia.
• If the couple wants to have a wedding on or near the beach, then it is necessary to start planning the wedding 10-12 months before the wedding, but if the wedding is for up to 10 people and the ceremony location is chosen on the rocks, then it is possible to organize the wedding within 2-3 months, unless it is the popular season.
• The flowers that are so popular among brides – peonies are very expensive in Mallorca, so it is better to choose seasonal flowers, for example different types of roses.
• The price for dinner in a restaurant in Mallorca differs from the average prices in Latvia. The average price for a wedding dinner with drinks in Mallorca is 120-150 euros per person. Price includes service, dishes and open bar. In Spain, a buffet table with different stations is popular, while in Latvia, the Swedish table concept is less and less common at weddings.

Wedding ceremony services in foreign countries are provided by various wedding agencies, which will also be able to draw up an offer suitable for you in detail. We recommend contacting wedding agencies:

CARAMEL EVENTS RIGA , CRYSTAL EVENTS , MY CHIC WEDDING , WEDDING DEL MAR and for other TOP wedding agencies in Latvia .